For some people, there is nothing better than heading out into the great outdoors for a hiking or climbing adventure in the middle of nowhere. But sometimes simply experiencing the outdoors is not enough. Sometimes you want to take photographs that really capture the excitement and drama of your surroundings.
But taking great outdoor photographs is not a simple matter of pointing and shooting. There’s a lot more to it if you want to really take photographs that people will love.
Here are a few tips to get you started taking photos that you and everyone else will love.
Get the Right Kit Together
You’ll need the right photography kit to take stunning photographs on your outdoor adventures. You ideally just want to take a few lenses, a tripod, a lens hood for photographing in sunlight, a few filters, and a good flash.
You don’t want so much kit that it restricts your movements when you are out and about. However, if you have a good vehicle, you can keep most of your photography kit locked up and take it out when you need it. So load it up in your car and take all your kit with you to make sure you always have the best chance of taking stunning photographs.
Shoot in the Mornings and Evenings
The best time to shoot outdoor photographs is the early morning and early evening, during the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. At these times of day, there is no harsh light, the sun is lower in the sky, and there are more natural shadows.
The midday sun should be avoided. A strong sun with no shade will create a bad exposure, and this will not lead to great photographs.
Set the Correct Exposure
If you are out in the bright sun, however, try to underexpose your shots by one stop or more. But if you are hiking through a forest, you may want to overexpose to create more vibrant colors.
In bright sunlight, you can also use a polarizing filter. These only let the light in from a few angles, and this will remove glare and reflections, darkening the sky and producing better photographs.
Use a Wide-Angle Lens for Landscapes
You will no doubt see some stunning views on your adventures, and the only way to capture them is with a wide-angle lens. This will help you to capture those spectacular landscapes of mountains and valleys in all their glory.
Use a Telephoto Zoom for Wildlife
If you want to capture wildlife you encounter, you will want to use a telephoto zoom lens. You will also want to use a small aperture as well to create a deeper depth of field.
Always Keep Your Camera on You
Finally, keep your camera on you at all times. You never know when the perfect photograph will present itself, and you don’t miss out on the moment, so be ready to snap at any time.
Take Stunning Outdoor Photographs
Wherever you are planning to go next, if you want to take some great photographs, make sure you follow these tips. There is a big difference between average photos and truly spectacular outdoor images that really capture the stunning drama of the great outdoors.
So put in some effort to taking better photographs, and make your memories of your outdoor adventures last longer.
Rick Jones is an amateur photographer who loves exploring, and capturing, the great outdoors whether he’s in the local woods at home or off on an Asian travel adventure. He provides some must-try tips for other budding photographers.
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